ITAR-TASS

Vladimir Putin arrives in Yerevan

24.03.2005, 20.34

YEREVAN, March 24 (Itar-Tass) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and
his wife Lyudmila arrived in Yerevan on Thursday.

The plane landed on Zvatrnots international airport. Putin and his
wife were welcomed by Armenian President Robert Kocharyan and his
spouse. From the airport they left for the Armenian president’s
residence to discuss certain topical issues.

The working part of the visit will begin on Friday. Putin will hold
talks with Kocharyan. The presidents of the two countries will take
part in a joint press conference on the results of their talks. Then
Putin and Kocharyan will visit Echmiadzin to meet Catholicos Gagerin
II of all Armenians. The Russian president is expected to visit the
Echmiadzin Cathedral, the most ancient Christian temple in Armenia.

On Friday evening, the presidents and their spouses will take part
in opening Year of Russia in Armenia.

Ahead of the visit Putin and Kocharyan exchanged messages on the
upcoming openness of Year of Russia in Armenia. “Russia attaches
much significance to the consistent strengthening of relations with
Armenia – a reliable ally and a strategic partner. I’m convinced
that Year of Russia in Armenia will help both peoples bring closer,
develop friendship and start a direct dialogue between our peoples,”
the Russian president said.

“A decision to announce the year 2005 Year of the Russian Federation in
the Republic of Armenia opens broad opportunities for further expansion
of Armenian-Russian relations. This initiative will facilitate the
development of political, economic and cultural cooperation between
our friendly peoples. Year of Russia in Armenia will make it possible
to fill a programme of Armenian-Russian cooperation with new ideas
and projects,” Kocharyan said.